The Hurrians were an ancient people who lived in the Near East, primarily in regions that are now part of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. They are known for their unique language, which is part of the Hurro-Urartian language family, and for their contributions to early civilization, including advancements in agriculture and trade. The Hurrians played a significant role in the history of the Hittite Empire and were influential in the development of Mesopotamian culture. They established several city-states, such as Urkesh and Nuhashshe, and their mythology and religious practices had a lasting impact on neighboring cultures, including the Babylonians.